A COPPER ALLOY CANDLESTICK IN THE FORM OF A 'LANDESKNECHT'

NUREMBERG, FIRST HALF 16TH CENTURY

Details

A COPPER ALLOY CANDLESTICK IN THE FORM OF A 'LANDESKNECHT'
NUREMBERG, FIRST HALF 16TH CENTURY
With a bell-base; the left hand socket a 19th century replacement; hole to proper left side of figure, probably for a scimitar used as a wick-tease.
Repair to underside of base; very minor nicks.
10½ in. (27.3 cm.) high

Literature

Bangs 1995, no. 83

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
Amsterdam 1986, pp. 78-79, no. 101
Bruzelius & Meredith 1991, p. 272, nos. 86-87 D'Allemagne 1900, p. 25
Jarmuth 1967, pp. 192-193, fig. 181-182
Turner 1982, pp. 28-29, pl. 13
Wallem 1907, p. 17, figs. 32-33

Lot Essay

This is a typical example of the 'Landesknecht' type of candlestick. It illustrates all the standard fittings of the group: the German bell-base and the baluster-shaped socket, as well as the single-cast figure with its cod-piece still intact. The 'Landesknecht' was modelled on a type of mercenary foot-soldier who, despite having to provide their own clothes and arms, tended to dress in an uniform manner.

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